
Glass _jL^ _ 
Book^ '^ 



REPORT 

OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LATE 

JUBILEE 

A T JAME S-TO WN, 

IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 13tH MAY, THE 
3EC0ND CENTESIMAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE 

SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA; 
CONTAINING 

THE ORDER OF PROCESSION, THE PRAYER OF BISH- 
OP MADISON, THE ORATIONS, THE ODES 

AND TOASTS; 

TOGETHER WITH THE PROCEEDINGS AT 

WILLIAMSBURG ON THE 15TH, 

THE DAY WHEN THE CONVENTION OF VIRGINIA 
ASSEMBLED IN THE OLD CAPITOL, 

DECLARED HER INDEPENDENT 

AND RECOMMENDED A SIMILAR PROCEDURE TO 

CONGRESS 

AND TO THE OTHER STATES. 



REPORTED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE. 



PETERSBURG: 

PUBLISHED BY WM. F. MCLAUGHLIN, AND 
J. O'CONNOR, NORFOLK. 



1807, 



DUPLICATE 
ttf k« kept, ^ 



/u 






^^ 

r; REPORT 

O) OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LATE 



i 



% 



JUBILEE 

AT JAMES-TOfFN. 



SEVERAL causes having lately attracted the 
public attention to the peninsula of James Town as 
containing the cradles of our nation, and as being the 
^ depositary of the bones and ashes of our venerable an- 
^ cestors: The following publication appeared in the 
^ Virginia Apollo, with the view of directing the 
'^ public sentiment to a regular celebration of events, 
^ equally interesting to the literary antiquities, the liber- 
^ ty, and character of Virginia. 

" Having lately perused Burk's History of Virgi- 
nia, I discovered that on the approaching thirteenth of 
May, two centuries will have elapsed since the fore- 
fathers of Virginia and it may be said the founders of 
North America landed on the peninsula of James 
Tou^n. It is impossible to contemplate this event with- 
out feelings of reverence and sublimity. Nothing in 
ancient story furnishes any parallel at once to the hu- 
mility and the grandeur of this incident: we read of 
conquerors leading their thousands and tens of thou- 
sands to the sack of cities and devastation of conti- 
nents, and by the pretended rights of conquest, extir- 
pating or enslaving their inhabitants : we read with 
horror of the destructive progress of a Pizarro and a 
Cortez, and the inhuman systems of civil and ecclesi- 
astical policv, by vvhich millions of innocent human 
beings perished in tortures and agonies at the shrine of 
bigotry and avarice : every page is filled Avith the suc- 
cessful ambition of kings and the unavailing and im- 
potent struggles of suffering humanity; every where 
vice triumphs; virtue is discountenanced; or if some 
solitary act or event bearing the features of honor, or 
?he stamp of independence appears; if by some gene- 



rous effort or by some sudden coavulsion we see a 
people rising upon their oppressors and establishing a 
form of government that promises greater happiness 
and security, \xc find it fleeting as the flash whose short 
and sudden light renders the gloom more av/ful and 
portentous. The mind is sick with viewing; those 
scenes of blood, this picture of human calamity, and 
turns away with disgust, to repose itself on this grand 
and consolotary event. A handful of hardy adventur- 
ers forming the advance guard of the distressed, the 
persecuted, the virtuous, the brave, the independent of 
ail the nations of the old world, commit themselves in 
two frail barks, to the trackless and unfathomable deeps 
of the Atlantic : they deliberately forego the comforts, 
the refinements, the luxuries, oFcivilized life; they tear 
themselves from the endearing scenes of their child- 
hood, the tender ties of affection and kindred : animat- 
ed by the spirit of generous adventurers, they prepare 
themselves to encounter the dangers of unknown seas, 
of the howling wilderness, and of savages more terrible 
than tempests or wild beasts. With what transport 
nmst they not ha^'C contemplated, after their long and 
hazardous voyage, the magnificent bay of Chesapeak, 
wooded to its margin, and embosoming them in its 
vast amphitheatre of forest; v/e follow them to the 
mouth of the majestic Powhatan, a name since un- 
gratefully changed in compliment to a pedant and a 
tyrant. The Aborigines distinguished by their black 
strait hair, their red color, armed with bow, arrow, and 
tomahawk, and aiTayed in the flinciful costume of na- 
ture, follow them upon its banks, their faces impressed 
with mute and savage astonishment : become at length 
more £miiliar, we see them conversing by signs, the 
oris:inal lan^'uag-e of nature, and their awe at lenarth 
yielding to curiosity, approaching them m their canoes, 
and bartering their rude productions. We mark the 
beginnings of confidence, and trace the features of cha- 
racter amongst this singular people, still more striking 
than their dress or complexion. Every moment the 
scene becomes more busy, more interesting and dra- 
matic, and it is every where highly diversified with 
characters and incidents. We contemplate the vene 



rable figure of the great Sachem Fo^vhal^^, elevated 
upon a throne resembling a bedstead, and ciad in the 
skin of the racoon : the singular ambition of Nematta- 
now; the sagacity, the dissimulation, the courage, the 
perseverance, of Opechankanough, like another Han- 
nibal, devoted to the destruction of the enemies of his 
country : we mark the gentle spirit of Pocahontas^ 
dropping the balm of her tenderness upon the wounds 
and distresses of our forefathers, and like a guardian 
spirit interposing herself between them and every dun- 
o-er. The 2:allant and romantic Smith is a strikins: 
figure in the group, and his agency is intimately con- 
nected vv'ith the denouement: but who shall be able 
to follow the course of these striking events : yielding 
at length to labor, to industry, to inleiligence, to patri- 
otism, the zviiderness begins to blossom as the rose : the 
haunts oi" Aiild beasts become the habitations of men, 
and instead of their ho\'\'lin2:s minf>;led vrith the veils of 
savages, are no^v heaixl the expositions of lav , the dis- 
cussion of science, and the eloquence of senates : cities 
rise as it ^vere by magic ; the arts and sciences encour- 
aged by an unrestrained inquiry, extend widely their 
empire, whilst liberty the first and greatest of human 
blessings, like the key stone to an arch, gives security 
and permanency to those great and manifold blessings. 
What a scene is here for gratitude, for gratulation, and 
triumph ; compared with an occasion like this, how 
sink the anniversaries of Europe. The childish and 
wicked incidents that gave birth to their jubilees, and 
their festivals, for "ahich te dcums and hosamias are 
sung, by a wicked mockery and prostitution of religion; 
e\en the festivals of the ancients having their rise in 
more useful and honorable principles ; the Saturnalia, 
the Olympic, the Isthmian, and the Circensian games, 
v/hat arc they when put in competition with this sub- 
lime incident, which is feebly illustrated by the ark of 
Noah and the bark of Deucalion; \vhat are they to tlie 
moral formation of a world, the growth of natioiis, and 
their> confederations under the auspices of liberty and 
philosophy : yet this day so auspicious and eventful, 
this day w hen the roads of Virginia should be trodden 
by the feet of pilgrims, to visit the tombs of tlicir fa- 



6 

tljers, to celebrate the era of tlieir nation:!] existence,, 
^.■heil imiigii:iation ascending to the cnidle, marking 
tlie iiryt faint struggles of coik^nial infancy, would at 
e\c:y step discovernew occasion for gratitude to that 
vrQiit being yd\o had destined them to occupy so dis- 
ii:iguibhcd a station amongst the nations of the eaith; 
this day is forgotten amidst the paltry cares and inquie- 
tudes of tlie world. It is not so in New England : the 
sagacity of that intelligent people v.ould not permit 
them to omit an occasion calcuLtted to produce such 
cftects upon the n-)inds and princi]:>les of their descend- 
ants : they knew tliat it would afbrd fresh oil to the 
lamp of their patriotism, and accordingly the era of 
■ their debarkation at Plym.outh, is celebrated by annual 
iestivals; but in the ancient dominion of Virginia, 
which may be called the principal fountain of Ameri- 
c.:n population, not the slightest notice is taken of an 
event in v, liich the wliole world is interested. It is 
t'nie at lenglli to put an end to this shameful apathy; 
tSie revolution of a second century since the event, af- 
fords an opportunity suHiciently splendid, and it is to 
be fiopcd, that it will be eagci'ly embraced by every 
friend to the atitiquitics, the literature, the independ- 
ence at least of Virginia." 

A FARAIER of the ancient dominion. 

The state of the public mind owing to the causes 
alluded to, was favorable to the appearance and objects 
of this publication, and the effects exceeded the most 
sanguine expectauon. Ivleetings immediately were 
ci nve'ied at Norfolk, Portsmouth, Williamsbiu'g and 
I'e::ersburg; appropriate resolution.'-: were adopted and 
ccmnilttees appointed for the purpose of assuring 
eo];cert and system to the proceedings of \'arious and 
distant bodies. IMeanwhile an hoh" enthusiasm begcui 
l'> dll-.te and kir.dle among>t the people, and before 
intimation had been received of any concerted plan of 
O; derations, parties were forming for the purpose of ce- 
I'^'nrati'ig the *i3thofiMay, with the homage of un- 

* I'l was not forgotten that this landing was evFcc'ed May 13th 1607, 
oIJ si;!c, and consequently that, to avoid an anachronism, the 24th May, 
new f.'.ile, should have been fixed upon : but particular and irr.prcssivfi 
considerations decided in favor of the ijth. 



bought gratitude, the throb of heart feeling sensibility cind 

veneration The day was now approaehing, but time 

moved too slow for the impulse of general im]:.atience. 
On the evening of the iOth the packet Lady Wasli- 
ington, mounted v. ith six small cannon, and having en 
boaixl an excellent band of music, came 'to an anchor 
at a short distance from tiie island, and the sacred soil 
was saluted by the shouts of the Pilgrims, accompani- 
ed by solemn music and a general discharge of artil- 
lery : on the morning of the 11th the Lady Washing- 
ton hauled closer in shore, and anchored in a beautiiiil 
cove, in die form of a crescent, which stretching on 
each side to a considerable extent, aflbrded a safe and 
expanded bason. 

The sloop Bully, having on board captain Nestell's 
company of Artillerj^, with their cannon, shortly after 
came to an anchor, having previously received and re- 
turned the salute of the Lady Washington.... and the 
scene was every moment becoming more picturesque 
by the increasing population of the island, the suc^ 
cessive arrival of vessels, and the distant view of many 
a white sail in the offing, skimming lightly on a glassy 
wave, under a canopy of blue clouds, which mitigated 
the fervor of the sun. T\\ o pieces of cannon v.ere 
now taken on shore and planted nearly in the centre of 
the crescent.... Every moment the discku-ge of cannon 
and the lofty strains of military music, announced some 
new arrival. ... Schooner Brimborion came to an anchor 
and saluted. 

On the 12th.... The beach now began to assume the 
appearance of a regulai- encampment, from the erection 
of tents for the sale of various articles ; and the scene 
was agreeably diversified by groups of beautiful ^v o- 
men who were exery moment passing from the main 
into the island. It ^x as not unusual to see groups 
of pilgrims stealing away from the throng and bustle 
of preparation, from the wild revelry of joy, and the 
enthusiasm of satisfied and raptureus exultation, to 
saunter amongst the ruins, and converse in fancy 
amongst the tombs with the illustrious dead, whose 
virtues and achievements had furnished the motives for 
their assemblage It was in the highest degree inte- 
resting and edifying, to trace the effects produced upon 



8 

tlie minds and faces of the spectators, by the view of 
these venerable remains of other times. The eye in 
sllr^^cying the ruin of the church steeple garlanded to 
its summit with irregular festoons of smilax and ivy*, 
carried back the mind to the interesting incidents and 
events of the first settlers : the melancholy chasm aris- 
ing from the want of facts, was supplied by imagina- 
tion; and conjecture and analogy were resorted to for 
the purpose of defining the uses and origin of every 
object. Here stood the Tulip-tree or Poplar,! x^hose 
massy trunk and the gigantic wreathings of whose 
bnmches bespoke an antiquity higher than the era of 
the first settlement. Might not the first settlers have 
assembled (it was said) under its patriarchal shade, and 
returned thanks to their God who had led them here 
in safety from the perils of the deep : \vhat is 
there incredible (it was frequently repeated,) in sup- 
posing that the amiable and tender Pocahontas had un- 
der this syh^an canopy during the faint gleam of twi- 
light, by the dubious light of the moon, or in the more 
impressive silence of mid-night discoursed with the 
gallant Smith, developing to the distressed and des- 
ponding colonists new motives ibr hope, and averting 
by her counsels and information, the dangers which 
impended over them from the jealous vigilance, the 
sleepless ambition, and the implacable hostility of her 
father and her countr}'men. But these arc perhaps 
onl}^ the reveries of fancy. The war of winds and 
waters,:!: whose assaults menace ^'\ith ruin the very pil- 

* Amoenitates graphics. f Liriodendrum tulipifera. 

\ "This[)lace of original settlement (James Town) lias undergone a very 
considerable alteration by the tlementary war which the waters and the 
winds have unceasingh' waged against it Its diminution, both on the 
southern and western side may be easily traced Many yards of the pa- 
lisade erected by the first settlers, are still to be seen at a low tide, stand- 
ing, at least, loO or 200 paces from the present shore The pieces of tim- 
ber, which were fixed perpendicularly in the ground, have decayed, until 
they have become entirely submerged by the gradual advancement of the 
river upon the land, where the fort originally stood. This fact shews that 
the land has sustained a great loss on its soutiiern side : on the western, 
the attrition is, perhaps, stiil more considerable. This conjecture acquires 
a high degree of prohahiliiy from what we see every day stiil taking place, 
and from the very narrow slip of land (even this is inundated at the time 
of high water) now remaining en that side, as the only obstacle to the 
force of the water, which threatens soon, unless counteracted by labour, 
to form a new channel through the island, a denomination which James 
Town may shortly assume. Amoenitates Grapiiicae." 



lars of the globe, have already neai'ly iivulsed the isth- 
mus. Shorn by the inexorable scythes of these dread- 
ful enemies, the southern and western sides of the 
Peninsula mourn the loss of immense masses now 
overwhelmed in one general alluvion. Would the ele- 
mentary war Avhich has shaken the earth, have spared 
the Oak or the Poplar? — Feeble analogies; delusive 
dreams ! You are insufficient to satisfy the cravings of 
a rapt and sublime enthusiasm. 

From these unreal and unsatisfactory speculations, 
the mind was directed to other objects v»hich awakened 
and realized reflection. A crowd of pilgrims were 
discovered on their hands and knees uithin the Church, 
yard, removing the dust and rubbish from the mouid- 
ering and mutilated tombs, and exploring with anx- 
ious tho' patient curiosity, the almost effaced cha- 
racters, which affection and piety had sketched there, 
in the vain expectation that they v. ould be immortal. 
Whilst engaged in these pious and interesting offices, 
a pleasing melancholy insensibly stole over the mind, 
the grosser passions of our nature, the dull pursuits of 
the A^'orld were forgotten, whilst each for a moment by 
the witchery of fanc}% imagined himself in the presence 
of those gallant and venerable spirits, that oixe animated 
and informed the mortal tenants of those o;raves. 

As It were by general consent, the discovery of the 
oldest stone became an objectof general emulation, and 
in the course of the examination, the results as they 
seemed to be successful, were triumphantly announced. 
Not even the searchers of gold mines, whose mania is 
so deservedly ridiculed and censured by Smith and our 
other historians, could have exceeded the seal and pa- 
tience v/ith which the pilgrims of 1807 examined every 
character or fragment that promised to throw light on 
the character of their fathers, and tlie antiquities of 
their nation. 

Beyond 1682, nothing legible could be traced ^ but 
from the freshness of the marble bearing this date, con- 
trasted with the surrounding masses of mutilated and 
mouldering decay, it was the general impression, that 
this stone Tvas comparativelv voune*. 
B ' ' 



10 

Amongst the group of objects calculated to excite 
reflection on such an occasion, it was impossible to 
avoid noticing the growth of a * Sycamore, whose 
germ had been inscrutably deposited between the fis- 
sure of two massy tombs, whose gTowth was gradu- 
ally, but certainly effecting their demolition. In vain 
did a brawny wreath of the poisoned Oak, having first 
wound itself round the Sycamore, grasp the trembling 
marbles, for tne purpose of arerting their fall. The 
Sycamore w^as a lever, that incessantly propelled them 
from their centres, and it was obvious, that nothing 
but its death could save them from falling without the 
line of the base. To a reflecting mind every incident 
is fruitful. This seemed to be a struggle between 
life and death, and what may appear extraordinaiy, it 
was the general wish that death should come off" victo- 
rious in the contest. 

The surrounding scenery by its rich luxuriancy, 
and never ending variety, at length recalled the mind 
from images of death and the silence of the grave, to 
its habitual relish for the beauties of nature. The 
Dog- wood and the Peach flaunted their gaudy blos- 
soms to the Sun ; Avhilst a refreshing breeze, bearing 
on its wings the delicate flavor of the Sweet-Briar and 
the Apple-Boughs, prepared the soul for those festive 
emotions, Avhich were to commence with the morning, 
and which, assisted by judgment and reflection, would 
afterwards keep entire possession of every bosom. 

Onthe 1 3th, the dawn was ushered in by a cannon ; a 
second announced the first faint etchings of the Sun on 
the edge of the horizon. During the night, se vera 1 vessels 
had arrived, and the eye rested v/ith pleasure on the spec- 
tacle of Thirty-two sail at anchor in the cove ; boats 
plying incessantly off" and on from the shore, groups 
of beautiful women every moment making their ap- 
pearance, crowds flocking in from every part of the 
adjacent country, and the Powhatan evolving in silent 
majesty his flood, margined as far as the eye could 
reach, with cultivated plantations, and gay villa's. 

* Platanus occidentalis: 



11 

Meanwhile the several committees forming one ge,- 
nerai committee, had convened for the purpose of ar- 
ranging the order of Procession, and preparing appro- 
priate toasts ; but the popular ardor and impatience, 
added to the shortness of the notice, suggested the pro- 
priety of devolving part of those duties on a select com- 
mittee, who agreed to meet at 2 o'clock. 

About 11 o'clock, the long deserted shores of James 
Town witnessed a spectacle equally picturesque and 
impressive. It was no longer the mournful image, 
and gloomy silence of depopulation. Thirty-two ves- 
sels graced the ancient harbor ; upwards of four hun- 
dred Ladies embellished the scene, which became eve- 
ry moment, more animated by the increasing concourse 
of Citizens, and upon which the presence of the mili- 
tary and a band of music, of Capt. Nestle, and his com- 
pany of Artillerists from Norfolk, reflected no small 
lustre. 

At 12 o'clock, in consequence of arrangements pre- 
\iously agreed upon by the joint committees from 
Norfolk, Portsmouth, Petersburg, and Williamsburg, 
a procession marched to the ruins of the Old Church- 
steeple, and the lugubrious group of tomb-stones con- 
tiguous to those ruins. The order of the procession 
\vas as follows : — 

1. Bishop Madison, and the Orators of the day. 

2. The deputies from Norfolk, Portsmouth, Peters- 
burg, and Williamsburg. 

3. The Ladies. 

4. Band of Music. 

5. Artillery. 

6. A cannon ball weighing 500 cwt. supported by 
eight men.* 

7. Citizens at lai'gc. 

During the procession, several tunes of a solemn 
nature were struck by the music, and cannons lired at 
proper intervals. Upon reaching the ruins, tlie vene- 
rable Bishop of Virginia, ascended a tomb-stone, and, 
in that affecting, pathetic manner which characterizes 

• This ball was originally brought over for the purpose of awing the 
Aborigines. 



12 ' 

all his religious ciTusions, poured out a prayer strongly 
exprcssive of the national gratitude, for that peculiar 
protection wliich the Deity has been pleased to bestow 
on the feeble, but auspicious germ planted two hun- 
dred years ago in the wilderness, a germ from which a 
State has sprung up, now highly prosperous and flour- 
ishing. Here two sentiments equally dear to the hu- 
man heaat, and equally poweriul. Religion and Patriot- 
ism, united their influence, and that mlluence was ir- 
resistibly felt : pious tears \\'ere seen hanging on mianv 
a cheek, furrowed by age, or adorned with youthiul 
bloom. 

On its return from the ruins, the procession observed 
the same order, but gayer tunes, and a more frequent 
firing of cannon, animated the march. 

Tlie citizens no^v repaired to a lawn in front of the 
prliicipal house on the peninsula, for the purpose of 
iitai ir.g the compositions relative to the day. The res- 
pectability of the audience did not yield to its numbers : 
it did honor both to the clay and to the orators. The 
orators in their turn, proved thtniselvcs v, orlhy of the 
audience. 

Mr. B. G. Baldwin from Winchester, nov/ a student 
of William and Mary, spoke first. His was tlie task 
to depicture tlie iniancy of Virginia ; to trace, through 
her early difficulties, that wisdom, those energies, that 
unshaken courage v/hich ovcrcam.e e\'ery obstacle 
and which, even then, presaged those high des- 
tinies to which she was reserved ; finally, to delineate 
the grand and pleasing contrast between what she \^'as 
in 1607, and what she is in 1807, and to developethe 
most prominent causes by which this contrast has been 
produced. In doing this, he must necessarily have 
soai'ed above the sphere common!}' assigned to narra • 
tivc ; and, whilst painting scenes so interesting, so dig- 
nified, and so im^pressive, have displayed a considera- 
ble degree of that enthusiasm which a review of great 
events naturally inspires. The occasion demanded, 
not the frigid exactitude of the clironologer, but the 
animated glowing eloquence of the orator, and of this 
Mr. Baldwin certainly ga-se an excellent specimen. 



13 

Mr. John jMadison, from 3.iu\ also a stu- 
dent, \^-a3 the next speaker. li his subject did not ad- 
mit of the same range of sentimental and fervid elo- 
quence as that on \\ liich Mr. Baldwin had just treated, 
in return, it opened a larger field for that argumenta- 
tive elociuence which overpowers the mind as the other 
does the heart. In enquiring into the nature of true 
republican institutions, in demonstrating their intrinsic 
and relative excellence, in shewing their beneficial ten- 
dency and results, in retracing the glorious means by 
which our present liberty and happiness have been ac- 
quired, and in pointing out the vv ise policy by v. hich 
alone they can be preserved, Mr. Madison evinced 
great maturity, strength, and origliiality of thought. 
The conviction of a delighted audience, is the highest 
compliment that can be paid to an orator : that com- 
pliment was justly obtained by Mr. M.idison, and had 
not the essential and intrinsic merits of his piece been 
sufficient to comm.and applause, his felicity of address, 
and elegance of delivery would still have fascinated 
eveiy hearer. 



BISHOP MADISON'S PRAYER. 

O GOD ! Parent Almighty, who, tho' unseen, up- 
holdest this ponderous ball, and breathing through the 
immensity cf space, fillest with stupendous life all 
which it inhabit ; Spirit invisible, God of our forefa- 
thers, to thee we raise the voice of praise and thanks- 
giving : O hear us, and deign to accept this our imper- 
fect homage. Thou great and glorious Being, v\ ho, 
according to the plans of thy wisdom, didst first inspire 
our forefathers with the elevated idea of seeking an asy- 
lum for man in this Western World ; thou, who bad'st 
the terrors of death to retire from their hearts, the re- 
morseies.^ billo\^"s of the deep to be at rest, and the hor- 
rors of the ]io^\-ling wilderness no longer to alarm, O 



14 

hear, and on this eventful day, siilFer us to pour forth, 
from the fullness of our souls, the tide of reverential af- 
fection, of joy, and of gratitude ; suffer us, the descend- 
ants and the heirs of those mighty men, whose foot- 
steps, under thy gracious Providence, here were first 
impressed, to approach thy Divine Majesty, to declare 
the wondrous things which thou hast done for us, and 
to implore thy continued protection. 

Assembled in thy sight, we now prostrate ourselves 
before thee, upon that ground, which thou, O God, 
didst choose whereon to rest the wearied feet of our 
progenitors. Twice one hundred times hath this earth, 
in obedience to thy comm^and, performed its faithful re- 
volution ca'ound the fountain of light, since thy pro- 
vidential goodness was here testified by our ancestors, 
with heartfelt songs of gratitude and praise. The stream 
of time hath swept before thee the fenerations, which 
since have arisen and passed av/ay ; but we, upon 
whom this day hath fallen, vrill rejoice in thy presence, 
and with a sincere and ardent gratitude, will recall to 
vivid memory thy former and thy present mercies. 

Hallowed be the place, where thou didst particularly 
manifest thy goodness to our forefathers ; and where 
the heavenly plan for spreading wide the blessings of 
social rights first beamed forth. It w^as here, O God, 
it was on this chosen ground, that thou didst first lay 
the sure foundations of political happiness. Here, 
didst thou say to our forefathers, who under thy guid- 
ance, had defied the perils of an untried ocean, here fix 
your abode ; here, shtrll the great -w^ork of political sal- 
vation com.mence ; here I will strike deep the roots of 
an everlasting empire, where Justice, and Liberty, and 
Peace shall flourish in immortal vigour, to the glory of 
my name and the happiness of man. Here ye shall 
sleep ; but your sons, and your daughters shall possess 
the land, which stretcheth wide before you ; shall con^ 
vert the \vildcrness and solitary place into fields smil- 
ing with plenty ; shall, in ages yet to come, exceed the 
sands upon the sea shore in number ; shall when 200 
years are accomplished, here resort, here recall to mind 
your valour and your sufferings; and here, touched 
with a livelv sense of the blcssinG^r; vouchsafed to them. 



15 

lliey sliall exalt arid adore my name, and acknowledge, 
that the mightiness of my arm, and the overshadovving 
of my spirit, hath done those great and excellent things 
for them. 

Such, O God, vras thy will. To thy servants, now 
before thee, has been given the high boon of living to 
see the light of that day, and of acknowledging that 
thy promises are as steadfast as the everlasting hills. 
Tons has been given the triumph, which this day af- 
fords. It -was thy providence, V\4iich reared the ten- 
der plant that here took root, and ^vhich nourished it 
with the dews of Heaven, until its branches have cast 
their shade from ocean to ocean. It was thy Provi- 
dence, gracious Benefactor of IMan, v/hich av/oke in 
our breasts a just sense of the inappreciable value of 
our rights, and infused that indomitable spirit, which 
effected a revolution the most iir.portant in the annals 
of time, and which led to the establishment of civil gc- 
veniments throughout tliis rising empire, upon the 
broad and firm basis of equal laws. It 'was thy Pro- 
vidence, vvhich inspired that wisdom which hath guard- 
ed us against the horrors of war, and which, amidst 
the dread convulsions that agitate the old Vvorld, hath 
still irradiated this thy chosen land v»"ith the blessings 
of peace. To thee, O God, w^e ascribe, as is most 
due, that never ceasing current of national prosperit}-, 
which has daily increased, and vvhich, under thy auspi- 
ces, we trust, will continue to increase, until its waters, 
spreading throughout every region of the earth, shall 
gladden, Vvith their salubrious streams, nations which 
are now the victims of ambition, and thence diffuse 
peace and good vvill among the vvhole family of man- 
kind. 

Continue, Gracious Benefactor, thy mercies tow"ards 
us. O teach us ever to Ioa'c, and to reverence thy 
name ; teach us, that the God of Virtue can love onl}- 
virtue ; teach us, that it is thou only, the first source 
of happiness, who can secure it to the human race ; 
impress upon our hearts an ardent love for thy Holy 
Religion : May its pure and sublime morality be to us 
the rule of all duties : May it guard us against the de- 
basing influence of licentiousness and vice, and inspire 



it) 



the people of these United States with those inflexible 
viilues, which republics demand : May the love of our 
country, and obedience to law be the dignified charac- 
teristic of citizens : May they ne-\^er forget, that, with- 
out religion, morality dies ; and, that \'.itliout morali- 
ty, republics are svrept from before thee with tlie 
besom of destruction. 

Bless all the constituted authorities, and so rule their 
hearts, and strengthen their hands, that they may drive 
from among us all manner of vice. 

Give prosperity to the different Seminaries of Learn- 
ing ; increase true knowledge, and infix upon the hearts 
of the rising generation a just sense of the duties which 
they owe to themselves, to their fellow creatures, and 
to their God. 

Finally, O God, pardon our offences, and deign to 
hear our imperfect prayer, for the sake of thy Son, our 
Sa'»'iour, Jesus Christ. 



ORATION, 

Delivered by Mr. G. B. Baldwin. 

VIRGINIANS, 

Glorious is the occasion upon which we are 
assembled — glorious for the cause of liberty, and glo- 
rious for you, Fello^v-Citizens. Can there be a spec- 
tacle more splendid in the sighit of man, or more pleas- 
ing to our great and common parent, than a republic 
of freemen convened around the tombs of their fore- 
fatliers to celebrate the birth-day of their countr}- ; to 
commemorate the era of their national existence, and, 
^vith pious gratitude, to kiil the lofty spirit of their 
dauntless ancestors ; On this day, to tread the conse- 
crated ground on v.hieh our forefathers first fixed their 
liabitation, must awaken in our minds the most enthu- 
siastic ideas ; it must add new fuel to the patiiotic 
flame which gloAvs in the breast of e-\ery Virginian. 
Here, a band of heroes, headed by the gallant Smith, 



17 

uhd guided by die piotccting hand of the all- wise and 
omnipotent director of human events, after braving the 
terrors of an unknown and boisterous ocean, unappall- 
ed by the soul-chilling \var \v^hoop of the savage native, 
and struggling against the complicated evils of famine 
and disease, first sowed the seeds of an empire, which 
iias risen, within the short period of a few generations, 
to political importance, and attained a height of pros- 
perity and glory, which has not only excited the won- 
der and admiration of the \iorld, but still promises the 
richest harvest of human felicity — Immortal spirits of 
our forefathers ! if }e are permitted to look down from 
the regions of celestial bliss, oa the transactions of this 
sublunary world, O ! deign to view with complacency 
the glowing ardor and deep sensibility, ^vith which your 
grateful descendants celebrate this glorious day ! — 
When the tinsel monuments, erected by vanity and 
pride, shall be no more, the memory of this day shall 
survive ; yes, it will live forever, because it will be 
forever engraven on the hearts of freemen. Fathers 
shall relate the soul inspiring history to their lisping in- 
fants ; children shall catch the patriotic enthusiasm of 
their parents ; aiid the pure flame, fanned by each suc- 
ceeding generation, shall be handed down to the latest 
posterity. 

Thou supreme disposer of the destinies of nations, 
God of heaven and earth ! how mysterious are thy 
ways, how ^vonderful are thy w^orks ! Two hundred 
years only have fled, since an infant colony, in the ve- 
ry cradle of political existence, oppressed by misery 
and despair, exposed to all the lurking revenge of the 
exasperated natives, here, had almost fallen " oblivion's 
ready prey!" Who would have thought, that from 
this dark horizon, the brightest star of the American 
constellation would arise with the most brilliant splen- 
dor ? — Who would have thought, that from so small, 
so unfriended a germ, millions would arise, on this day, 
to cover this extensive continent, blessed vvitli the en- 
joyment of Heaven's best gifts ? 

The mansions of our forefathers have crumbled in- 
to dust ; we seek for them in vain ; scarce a vestige is 
found. — The first settlers have been swept from the 

C 



18 

foce of the earth, succeeding generations have follow- 
ed them, as the rolling waves of the mighty deep. — 
With what veneration, \\ ith what religious care, do Ave 
^'iew the ruins of that ancient steeple, a monument of 
the piety of our progenitors ! — A pleasing melancho- 
ly steals over my soul and my mind is hurried back, 
by the tide of reflection, to the early periods of our* 
history. — How do the images of the gallant Smith and 
the amiable Pocahontas rise to our view ! — Who does 
not venerate their a iitues, and shed a tributary tear to 
their memories ! 

Virginians, the arrival of our forefathers in this coun- 
try, the consequent rise and progress of the Am.erican 
Empire, the causes which have so wonderfully accele- 
rated that progress, together with those energies, which 
^^-ill long maintain the impulse first received, are cer- 
tainly subjects most worthy of the attention of the 
Philosoplier, the Statesman, or the Citizen ; and, 1 
trust, p-ot unappropriate on this occasion. They will 
i-eceive but little light, I am too well aware, from one, 
\\ho now presumes to appear before you. But though 
i am not insensible to my ov.n deficiency, I rely upon 
that candor and benignity, ^^ hich generous minds are 
ever ready to extend to the youthful and unassuming 
Orator. 

Europe, just emerging from a state of dark and 
gothic ignorance, had begun to acquire a spirit of en- 
terprise Avhen the great and prescient genius of Colum- 
bus prompted him to encounter the dangers of the \'ast 
Atlantic, and seek for a new world in the Western 
Hemisphere. The same adventurous spirit v/hich led 
to the discovery of America, instigated many Europe- 
ans to leave their native home, and in the dreary \\-ilds 
of this great continent, endeavor to find that asylum, 
and that happiness, of which they were destitute. 

You well kno^^•, Fellow-Citizens, the alm.ost insur- 
mountable difficulties attending the settlement of our 
country. You well kno^v that the vital spark of Vir- 
ginia was nearly exthiguished at her birth ; but like the 
vouthful Hercules, slie rose superior to the horrors 
which surrounded her. Good God, v> hat a continued 
series of m.isfortunes does the history of this colony 
present to our view ! Imagine to yourselves, Virgini- 



19 

ans, your forefathers embarking upon tlie stormy At- 
lantic, parting from their dearest relatives and friends, 
tlicir country and their homes, and with sighs and tears, 
l^idding a last adieu to the white clifts of Albion.— 
Tossed on the surface of the ocean, lor a long time at 
the mercy of the winds and waves, the hearts of the 
colonists arc ready to sink in despair. At length the 
turbulent commotion of the angry billows subsides ; 
and wafted by friendly breezes, the little Argonautic 
fleet arrives in the peaceiul Chesapeake. I see it as- 
cending yon majestic river ; I sec its white pinions 
waving in the iavoring gale ; I see its slow and cauti- 
ous approach ; I see the feather-tinctured chiefs, with 
their weapons of war fliliing from their hands, in silent 
amaze, cro^vding each shore, and viewing v,ith terror 
and dismay a spectacle so novel, whilst our forefatliers 
debark on the destined land of liberty. 

Then they laid the found^ition of a republic, whose 
glory shall be inmiortal. Yet how often were they 
overcome by the weight of their sufferings ? — How of- 
ten did they look back upon their abandoned country? 
How oftencast their eyes to Heaven, imploring protect 
tion ? As often did Smith, the noble Smith, raise their 
drooping spirits, and cheer them with the hope of bet- 
ter days — The name of Smith shall be revered, as 
long as honor, bravery, and fortitde continues to be 
respected. 

But the colony was destined to be bereaved of its 
father, its protector. >' The misfortunes of this great, 
intrepid m.an, and the preservation of Iiis life by the 
amiable Pocahontas, will long claim the descriptive 
powers of genius. When surprised and surrounded 
by the Indians, he displayed the most heroic courage, 
and desperately repelled the attacks of his astonished 
foes, until he was obliged indignantly to yield. — When 
condemned to death, by a council of his sa^^age ene- 
mies, and led to the place of execution, he betrayed 
not the smallest emotion of fear. Already washis head 
placed upon the fatal block ; dready was the ponderous 
club of Powhatan raised to deal the deadly blow; whtn 
the tender Pocahontiis, with streaming eyes and dishev- 
elled hair, threw herself at the feet of her father, embra- 
ced his knees, and with agonizing sighs implored him to 



20 

spare the life of tlic prisoner. Vain were iier entrea- 
ties ; the savage king was inexorable. In the distrac- 
tion of grief, Pocahontas arrested the impending blow, 
and snatching the victim's head from the block, there 
placed her own.... Strike, said she, in the mute, but ex- 
pressive language of nature.... Strike if you thirst for 
blood, but spare the stranger. Even the waiTior-bo- 
som of Powliatan was melted b}^ tliis affecting scene. 
Filial love triumphed over savage re\'enge. Smith 
was restored to nev/ life. Such was the power of un- 
tamed nature over the female heart. 

Amiable Pocahontas ! thou possessedest charms 
which would have graced the most civilized society. 

" Thy form was fresher than the morning rose, 
When the dew wets its leaves unstain'd and pure, 
As is the lilly, or the mountain snow, 
The modest virtues mingled m thy eyes, 
Stiil on the ground dejected, darting all 
Their humid beams into the blooming flowers ; 
Or v/hen the mournful tale" to thee was toid. 

Of others' woes, —— 

" Thrilling in thy thought, they, lilie the dewy star 
Of evening, shone in tears." 

Yes, her heart was compassionate and feeling; but 
« hen animated in the cause of liumanity, she evinced 
a courage which feai^ed not the hardiest enterprise. 

Here, in the midst of deserts, in the breast of an 
imtutored Indian, we discover the brightest virtues that 
adorn human nature. Here too, did the free born soul 
of the uncultivated Powhatan nobly defend those pri- 

masval rights, which he held from nature's charter 

Oft did he say, "I was born a King; and Heaven 
which bade these lofty oaks lift their green shields 
against the fiery sun, to fence their subject plain, did 
mean, that I should, with as firm an arm, protect my 
people against these bold invaders."* Such vv^as the 
language of nature ; such the source of his vindictive 
rage ; of that incessant warfare which reduced the co- 
lony to the verge of destruction. 

Soon after the great Smith liad been dcq^rived of the 
command entrusted to him, torn by intestine dissen- 
tions,and borne down by a variety of evils, our ances- 
tors detcrmiiied to abandon the scene of their misfor- 

* Charactacus. 



21 

tunes. Every thing is prepared ibr their dcparliire ; 
they embark; the sails are unfurled; v.'itlioiit one 
sigh, without one teai-, they leave the unhappy strand." 

Virginia appears lost forever that germ of libeity 

which was here planted seems utterly clestroyed....the 
prospects of a great and flourishing nation, springing 

up in the Western World, are now no more But 

no ; heaven-born hope darts from beyond tlie cloud ol" 
despair, robed in tlie white ermine of celestial purity, 
and beaming the seraphic smiles of angelic benignity, 
she cries, Virginians, return to the genial soil ol' free- 
dom The time will come, when your country shall 

enjoy the fruits of your labors. Virginia shall rend 
asunder the trammels of oppression, and rising to poli- 
tical pre-eminence among the nations of the earth, pre- 
sent to an admiring world, the spectacle of a great and 
republican people, governed by equal laws and pos- 
sessing equal rights. At this eventful moment, the 
white canvass of Albion is seen floating in the gale ; 
the fleet sent to the relief of the colonists appears in 
full view ; mighty Powhatan resounds with the shouts 
of clamorous joy ; these hills and dales re-echo the 
gladdening sound, and our forefathers return to these 
once forsaken shores. 

From this period, Virginia like yon majestic river, 
alternately ebbed and flowed ; sometimes reduced to 
misery's lowest mark, now rising and swelling in the 
full tide of prosperity. Now the exasperated Indians, 
rendered furious b}- the injuries they had suffered, and 
maddened with the desire of revenge, rushed like ty- 
gers, M ith horrid yells, upon their unsuspecting foes. 
A terrible scene of death and cmnage ensues ; children 
are murdered in the arms of their mothers ; v/ives in 
the embraces of their husbands ; the habitations of the 
colonists ai-e reduced to ashes, and their mangled bo- 
dies strewed over " the green fields of their countrv." 
Besmeared with human gore, the savages call upon 
the spirits of their forefothers, to witness the sacrifice, 
and feast on the incense aiising from the blood of their 
enemies. Now repelled by our \'aliant ancestors again 
and again they return, ^vith redoubled fury to the at- 
tack ; until overcome by superior numbers and the 



omFiipotCiit powers of a ihunderiiig ariiUcry, they arc 
compelled to seek a shelter in theii- deep forests, 

Feiiow-Citizens, \vc might dwell witli rapture on the 
progressi\ e history of an infant colony thus stemming 
torrents of adversitj^, thus gradually advancing to ma- 
turity, and now resting upon a rock v, hich no storms 
can shake, the aflections of her people. Yes, Virginia 
affords an ilhistrious example, of what can be effected 
by darhigenteprizeand constant perseverance, though 
\vading through a sea of dangers, of terrors, and misfor- 
tunes, before she attained her present height of prospe- 
rity. But that history we leave to abler hands ; let us 
rather enquire, -what 'were the mighty energies, under 
the blessings of Providence, Vvhich thus accelerated 
her progress in those high attainments ? 

First, Fellow- citizens, although ^ve must feel the 
warmest indignation against the tyrannical rule of 
Great Britain, yet \vehave great reason to congratulate 
ourselves that she was cur mother coutry ; that she 

W\as the " magnavinnn ?nater.''^ At the tinie of the 

colonization of Virginia, scintillations of libert}-, elicited 
by literature, began to blaze in Great Britain. They 
were transported to Virginia, and guarded like the ves- 
tal flame. Here, although surrounded by executive 
influence, they were clierishcd by an august and vene- 
rable association, until their ardent heat melted tlie 
chains of bondage, imd threw off the scoria of tyranny. 
Then did the Genius of Liberty cast from those chains, 
a sublime Colossal Statue, sacred to equal rights, 
which sliali bestride, sooner or later, this lower Avorld. 

In the next place, it has always been the polic}- of 
the European nations, to monopolize the trade of their 
colonies. Some have confined it to a single port, and 
others have confeiTcd the exclusive commerce on a 
particular compan}-. Great Britain, pursuing a more 
liberal mr rcantiie plan, left her tnidc free to all her 
subjects. IMcnopolies of every kirid are highly inju- 
rious and unjust ; but nothing can be more completely 
ruinous, nothing can check the cncrcasing prosperity 
of a colony more, than confining its commerce to a ' 
company of merchants, or to any particular part of the 
motlier countiy ; wh.ilst the m.onopoly of a nation h 



much less destrucdve. Altliough Vin.^inia ^\■as limit- 
ed to the market of Great Britain, in the cxportati<Mi 
of certain enumerated articles, yet, she was allouxd 
freely to export all her other surplus produce, to mo.^t 
parts of the \\^orld. 

Thirdl\% another "Teat advantaQ:e aiose from the in- 
ternal regulations of our state, whilst an Engiish colo- 
ny. The introduction of a Legislature, chosen by the 
people, the inestimable institution of trial by jury, as 
well as the 2:eiieral mode of administerino; iustice, \\ ere 
blessings v» iiich the estabiishm.ents of other European 

nations in America did not enjoy Our government, 

besides, was administered with sufiicient economy, 
and few taxes WTre levied, until the eve of the revolu- 
tion, except those which were necessary to defray tlie 
expenses of the civil establishment. The Spanish co- 
lonies, on the contrary, \vere, and are loaded v.ith grie- 
vous and unnecessary imposts, to support the extrava- 
gance and pompous ostentation of insolent Satraps. 
They are oppressed by a numerous race of idle and 
fraudulent priests, vvho, under the mask of charitable 
intentions, rob a bigotted and ignorant people of their 
property Whilst the progress of the Spanish colo- 
nies v/as checked by obstacles, v.hich the powerful 
hand of liberty only can remove, Virginia, on eagle 
wings, was towering to the zenith of prosperity. 

But, still, the wealth and greatness of the American 
colonies vv^as uniforml}^ retarded, by the interference 
of the miOther countr3^ It is true, that the policy ot 
Great Britain was more liberal, than that of other Eu- 
ropean nations ; }et it was ne\'er dictated by any noble 
or generous moti^^es, but merely with a \'iew to her 
own interest, v^hich she has al\"ia}"s regarded, and not 
the interest of her colonies. 

Various other causes, besides her origin. Great Bri-^ 
tain, and those we have mentioned, hine contributed 
to raise Virginia to her present elevated station. The 
fu'st colonists, fortunate!}', employed all their capitals in 
agriculture, the surest means of promoting national 
prosperity. The liberal reward of labour and the 
cheapness of land enabled labourers, in their turn, to 
become proprietors. Marriages were thus encouraged. 



24 

to an extent before u^kno^vn, by the ease \vitli which 
industrious people could not only live, but maintain 
their families in affiuence. Children, when arrived at 
maturity, amply repaid tlie expenses of maintenance 
and education ; and \vere often the source of real 
wealth to their parents. Nothing accelerated the rapid 
progress of Virginia more, than the employment of her 
capital in agriculture. The policy pursued by Great 
Britain, of discouraging the manufactures, and mono- 
polizing the trade of Virginia, has, in the event, proved 
of unbounded advantage to her : Because, where a na- 
tion has not sufficient capital for all the purposes of agri- 
culture, commerce and manufactures, the annual value 
of her produce ■\\ ill be encreased, in proportion as a 
greater share is applied to the first; and her capital 
destined for productive labour will encrease in the 
same ratio. Let Spain boast of her Mexico, and hef 
Peru ; it was not their gold, nor their silver vvhich has 
enriched this rising empire. Her colonies can only 
boast a splendid poverty. Before the next grand cen- 
tenary festival shall return, these United States will em.^ 
brace a population, not less than that which all Europe 
now possesses. 

These, Fellow-Citizens, were among the principal 
causes of the prosperity of our country, prior to the re- 
volution ; these happy circumstances have elevated her 
from the vale of obscurity, and placed her on the proud 
eminence of permanent felicity. 

Vii-ginians, in the undisturbed enjoyment of all the 
blessings of life ; in the tranquil security which you 
now eminently possess ; do not forget, that all human 
felicity is fraii ; do not forget, that the time may come, 
v.hen, perhaps,, you will look back with mournful sor- 
rovv', at the peace and happiness which you have lost, 
v.hilst alas ! dca± and dismal prospects obscure the fu- 
ture. Watch then with a jealous eye your inestimable 
rights ; guard, with Argus care, the Genius of Repub- 
licanism. Preser\'c inviolate the consecrated temple 
of Freedom ; let no sacrilegious feet cross the thresh- 
old of that hallowed fane. 'Remeqiber, it was for self- 
government, that your fiuhcrs fought and bled; re- 
member, it v.as for her blessings, that so many Ame- 



2S 

rican mailj-rs freel}- sacrificed their liv^es ; remember, 
it is a trust consigned to }'oii, by the valiant heroes of 
our glorious re^'olution. O ! my countrymen, I con- 
jure by the blood, which was shed in the holy cause of 
liberty ; by the manes of th'- inveterate enemies of ty- 
rants; by the shade of the imxm.oital Washington, 
defend to the last extremity the srcred deposit. 

But whilst, with suspicious \-igilance, you protect 
the temple, do not neglect the rich treasures which it 
contains. Do not neglect that great Pdladium, the 
liberty of the Press, formidable only to tyrants. Whilst 
this is preserved, A\e shall be perfectly secure against 
all the attacks of imprincipled factions, or traitorous 
ambition ; but when we shall be despoiled of this shield, 
adieu to freedom ! adieu to happiness ! farewell, a long 
ilirewell, to the glory of Virginia ! 

Let your care be particularly directed to the educa- 
tion of youth ; instill into the minds of " the future 
men of Virginia," a love for virtue, for science, and 
their country ; relate to them brilliant achie\-emients of 
their ancestors ; and, " when you find your little hear- 
ers hanging upon your lips," inspire them with a 
wish, to emulate the gallant heroes of the American 

revolution Remember the observation of the sage 

Montesquieu. " It is not the young people that de- 
generate, they are not spoiled, till those of maturer 
age are already sunk into corruption." The dissemi- 
nation of knowledge is the firmest bulwark against 
despotism it refines, it ennobles the mind, it im- 
plants in man the lofty principle of independence 

The uniform policy of tyrants has been to destroy the 
shooting germs of knowledge. Never has the bright 
stai' of liberty appeared, until the dark clouds of igno- 
rance and superstition were dispersed. 

But, Fellow-Citizens, whate^'er may be your anx- 
ious solicitude, whatever may be your exertions, to 
preserve your rights, }'Our liberties, and your happi- 
ness ; remember, that it is only by uninterrupted har- 
mony with }-our American brethren, and peace with 
foreign nations, that you can continue in your present 
course of prosperity. Remember, that amidst the din 
of arm.s, and the horrors of bloodshed, ao-riculture. 

D 



26 

commerce, the arts and sciences can never flourish.... 
America is yet in her infancy ; many are the insults 
and wrongs, which she must patiently endure before 
she attains maturity. When that momentous epoch 
shall arrive, then let her remember the injuries which 
she has suffered ; then let her defy the midice of her 
enemies ; then let her convince mankind that nothing 
can withstand a nation of patriots. But O ! long may 
the peaceful olive wave over our councils ; long may 
it be cherished by genial circumstances ; long may its 
luxuriant branches shade our happy country. 

Virginians, truth omnipotent, tiiith, shall at length 
prevail ; the holy fire has been kindled in your coun- 
try ; it is rapidly spreading throughout the continent 
of America. The day is not far distant, when it shall 
ctoss the Atlantic, and diffuse itself over the face of 
the earth. The " Altars and the Gods" of despo- 
tism shall be consumed. From the flame shall arise 
the Genius of Independence ; extending wide her soar- 
ing wings, she shall mount aloft, and proclaim to all 
the human race, " Mortals, too long have you been 
abused, too long have you groaned under the tyrant's 
sway ; but tyranny is now crushed forever. Receive 
then my blessings, and live together, in the uninter- 
rupted enjoyment of harmonious fraternity." 

In a word, here, Fellow-Citizens, on this soil, erect 
the altar of Republicanism ; Be ye, people of Virginia, 
her Priests; Here instill the purity of her maxims ; and 
when each succeeding Centenary shall arrive, may her 
votaries be found no less ardent than those whom I 
have had the honor to address. 



ORATION. 

Delivered by Mr. John Madison. 

Fellow-Citizens, 

THE patriotic impulse, which has this day 
assembled us on this favoured ground, has already 
been sufficiently noticed by the young orator, who has 
just had the honor of addressing you. You have 



27 

vie^i■ed witii pleasure the rapid progress of a people , 
irom the earliest state of infancy, to their present de- 
gree of political importance. You no doubt experi- 
ence all that glow of elevated sentiment which can be 
excited by an event so great, and so important as the 
one you have this day convened to celebrate. You 
have met here not from an idle curiosity to witness 
some futile spectacle, but in obedience to the sacred 
impulse of gratitude, and a magnanimous affection for 
the rights of man ; to commemorate those virtues, and 
that daring and enterprizing spirit, which gave a moral 
existence to this new world. What event does historj^ 
present more pleasing or more august, than that of a 
numerous, free and independent people, joining with 
one accord to commemorate so auspicious a day ? Let 
Rome boast of her Lustrums, or secular institutions ; 
let Greece ^'aunt her Isthmian or Olympic games; be 
it our pride to boast an institution which celebrates the 
most important event in the annals of the world. . . . Such 
is the scene ^vhich now presents itself.....! am confi- 
dent, there is not an individual in this numerous and 
respected assembly, who is so insensible to the gene- 
rous feelings which characterize the American, as not 
to participate in the universal joy, and give expression 
to those national virtues which exalt the character of 
man. 

From the period, when our forefathers, here, first fix- 
ed their habitation, Virginia continued upwai'ds of a cen- 
tury and a half in a state of silent, but progressive im- 
pro\emcnt. A gloomy, impenetrable forest, the recess 
of the lavvless savage, was gradually converted into 
fields of smiling plenty. An extensive, fertile, but un- 
cultivated country, which had witnessed no transac- 
tions but those replete with cruelty, became the abode 
of the p.rts and sciences : and with them were introdu- 
ced, the social virtues. 

Whilst Virginia made this rapid progress i"n agri- 
culture, commerce, and the polite arts, the colonies 
established in other parts of America, were not less dis- 
tinguished for their improvement. The same spirit 
which actuated Virginia, extended from one extreme 
of the continent to the other ; from a free and uninter- 



28 

riipted intercourse, they became reciprocally attached ; 
from their iocai sitiiatiou their interest was nearly the 
same ; and the political causes, which affected the one, 
extended equally to the otlier. 

But, as the Gentienian who has just preceded me, 
has already spoken of the rise iind progress of Virginia ; 
and has also traced out some of the principal causes 
which tended to accelerate in a peculiar manner, the 
progress of those States, w hilst they were appendages 
of the British en-.pire, permit me to continue the inte- 
resting re view, and to call your attention to events pos- 
terior to that period. 

Great Britain, who from the first establishment of 
our forefathers on this spot, had never lost sight of her 
colonies, and cherished the idea of making them an in- 
exhaustible source of national wtardi, by an ill judged 
policy was prcjaii; g the issue of an event, the most 
important in the annals of history, the gieat and glori- 
ous revoluton of '76. it must be particularly grateful 
to the philoscphic mind, to tu ce the causes A'^ h ch .cd to 
thattmiLentsituaticn,in whieheui ccuntrj new siands: 
as \\ eil as precisety to mark the oi igin and progress of 
that political happiness we now enjoy. 

In 1774, an attempt was made to tax the colonics in 
a manner, unconstitutioniJ, and contrary to those rights 
which they held sacred, " An enthusiastic aiieetion 
for the mother country had taken deep root." The 
Americans had always considered themselves a part of 
the British empire, and did not previous to this unpre- 
cedented measure, entertain even the most distant idea 
of a separation. But the transactions of '74 aroused 
them from their imagined security, and called forth all 
their energies in the cause of vii tuous liberty. A pro- 
position was made by Virginia, ever foremost in tlie 
cause of social rights, to assemble a Congress of De- 
legates from her sister colonies. The wisdom and 
firmness of this Congress, caused the British cabinet 
to abandon their s}-stem oi' policy ; but this abandon- 
ment w^as attended with the declaration, that the right 
to tax the colonies was as imquestionable, as it \\as un- 
bounded. Such an assumption of pow er, did not fail 
to produce the effect which might naturally have been 



cxpccled. America saw her liberties iiivaded, and her 
rights spurned, not with that cold indiiFerciice Avhich 
argues a want of courage, but \^ ilh sentiments full of 
indignation, and an unshaken resolution to vindicate 
tliem. The mildest measures were first pursued on 
the part of the colonies, but the}' v.ere haughtily re- 
jected by Great Britain, This ^vas sufficient. Every 
sentiment of partiality for the mother country was era- 
dicated. The people of this new World convened, 
erected the American standard, declared themselves 
free and independent of the Briiish government, and 
resolved to support this declaration with their blood. 
Nor was this the burst of some sudden emotion ; it 
was the effect of mature deliberation ; it was the spon- 
taneous effusion of hearts deeply impressed v. ith the 
love of liberty, and of their country. 

The revolutionary contest commenced ; during its 
continuance, the colonies nobly defied all the miseries 
attendant on an evil, so great, so general, so public. 
At lerigth the long ^vished for period arrived ; the jus- 
tice of our cause was confessed; the inestimable rights 
for \A hich we contended \^ere acknonJedged ; an end 
was put to the bloody contest ; the Genius of America 
stalked triumphant to the altar of freedom ; recei\Td 
the olive branch, and proclaimed ^' in a voice louder 
than the tempest" no more shall my ardent warriors 
meet in battle ; no more shall the ship intended for 
commerce, carry in her bosom the thunder of v.ar; 
but all uniting in the bonds of friendship shall form 
one vast society of brethren. 

But the glory of our country Vviis not yet complete : 
she had not yet reached her meridian greatness. 
True, she had gained her independence; ^vas free of 
every povvcr on earth ; but she had yet to form a sys- 
tem of government which was to secure to each indi- 
vidual the free enjo^-ment of those rights which he had 
T'cscued from the tyrannic grasp of the mother coun- 
tr}'. ^'lrginia, ever vvatchful over the political interest 
of i\merica, "^^^as not insensible of the necessity of 
ndop'ting the most vigorous and energetic measures to 
secure the safety of the union. A general con.vention 
".vns called for the purjDose of deciding the great and 



30 

momentous question of a government, w^liich Lhould 
dcier.d against external injury, and promote internal 
peace and justice. Animated by those virtuous sen- 
timents w Inch had conducted them thro' the Revobj- 
tion ; feeling a just iridignation for tyranny, and whate- 
ver v.ore the as^x^ct of regal authority, a galaxy of pji- 
triots con^'ened and framed a constitution bottomed on 
the iirm basis of Republicanism ; a constitution whicli 
contains principles the most congenial to the rights of 
man ; a system cf government, \\ hich as it was the 
first of its kind, so it is the most perfect on earth ; 
which, v.hilst it possesses the high attribute of holding 
ibrtii to each individual, the means of speedy and unde- 
niable justice, equally guai'ds, equally protects the 
poor, as the rich. 

It has been' contended by many political writers of 
great reputation, that the republican form of govern- 
ment is suited only to a small extent of territory, to a 
people of peculiai' manners and customs, and living un- 
der particular degrees of latitude. The extent of coun- 
try should be small they contend, in order that the peo- 
ple may convene with frequency and ease ; that they 
may form a unit}- of sentiment and similarit}' of man- 
ners ; that each individual may concur in expressions 
of the general will, so that in the administration of jus- 
tice, there may be no oj^position to the will of the jx^o- 
ple. It is also said, that the republican system of go- 
vernment is confined to northern climates : that there 
the mind and bod}- are iuA'igorated by cold and neces- 
sary labour, and thus receive a capacity for self-govern- 
ment, and an activity ever ready to be exerted when 
the public interest demands attention ; whilst in south- 
ern climates, the minds from habits of idleness and in- 
action becomes enfeebled, yields to the least pressure, 
and submits to the least opposition in sentiment ; thus 
man sinks below his nature, and becomes a fit subject 
for tyranny. But these opinions are in such direct op- 
position to facts, that \vere it not for the respectability 
of tluir authors, they would not merit a refutation. Is 
not tliis an incontl•o^■ertible truth, that all men are pos- 
Fessed of certain inalienable rights; rights inherent in 
their nature, and of which the}- cannot be deprived by 



31 

any contract, or force ? These are rights which are 
not coniined to any particuktr people, or particular 
country, but which extend to each individual of the hu- 
man family in every clime. This position being in- 
controvertible, if any people were left entirely free and 
at liberty to act Ibr themselves, uniniiuenced by preju- 
dices, and sufficiently enlightened, they would necessa- 
rily form no other than a republican system of govern- 
ment ; or if, any other were formed, it would not flow 
irom the consent of the people : it would speak its 
own iliegalit}\ It is true other forms of government 
exist ; but we can readily trace the easy declination 
from that government which is the most agreeable to 
reason, as well as to the nature of man, to that which 
leaves him nothing but the burthen which sinks him to 
the earth. Men living in societ}^, are under the neces- 
sity of entrusting considerable authority to the hands 
of some individual. Tins is inseparable from the na- 
ture of civil societ}-. This authority increases gradu- 
ally and imperceptibly : the people trusting in their 
officers, becomiC regmxllcss of their rights and forgetful 
of their liberties ; that activity and vigilance ^vhieh arc 
necessary to prevent the inroads of ambition, are ex- 
changed for idleness and ijiaction, till the honorable and 
much respected name of citizen and freeman, is con- 
verted into the low and ignominious title of subject and 
slave. It is thus a people may be, and frequently arc 
deprived of their liberties ; it is thus a monarch}' is 
erected on the ruins of a republic. But this never can 
be done with the consent of the people ; they are forced 
under the imperious sway of a morwch, and are kept 
there by the same engine by which they were enslaved. 
It is the interest of the sovereign in order to secure 
his crown, to keep his subjects as ignorant as possible; 
and we find this system of policy has never been for- 
gotten. But how is this oppression, this degradation 
to be rejected ; how does man recover his lost rights? 
As arts and sciences urge their way, thefaculties, even 
of the peasant unfolds ; he becomes sensible of his 
rights, feels his own sufficiency and importance ; is 
impatient of that oppression and restraint imposed by 
the caprice and ambition of a monarch ; till by con. 



32 

centered energies, he rises superior to every burthen, 
throws off the ingiorious yoke, and becomes free, virtu- 
ous and happy. Sovereigns, ye who know this truth, 
carefully bare\'ery a^^enue leading to the towering tem- 
ple oi science, keep your people, ^^ ho vv'ould ^\illingly 
offer you up as a sacrifice to their rage, ignorant of 
their rights, of the vv^orld, and of themselves. Such a 
system only can preserve }'0ur fastuous sway. But 
feilow-citizens, v^e nho enjoy the representative sys- 
tem of government, full well know, that it is not in its 
r.ature confined to any particular climate, particular 
countr}% or particulai' people. Our country affords 
the amplest refutation of such a blasphemy on man. 
We hve in a land extending from Northern and South- 
ern latitudes, embracing' all the varieties of climate, soil, 
and productions ; containing a people difiering widely 
in their manners and customs : yet we enjo}", and I 
trust shall long enjoy a republican system of govern- 
m.ent ; one founded on the representative principle ; 
one which flows immediately from the free and uncon- 
strained will of the people, and which derives its ener- 
gy from the afitctions of its citizens. 

Fortunate as we have been in adopting this form so 
congenial to the happiness of man, and which has ren- 
dered the establishment of the American Empire so 
interesting to the whole human family, we should know 
how to give it a permanence, which neither fraud nor 
ambition, nor force can assail. There ai-e evils to 
vviiich this form of government is subject, and \\'hich 
frequently prove destructive to the representative sys- 
tem. Those evils result from, too close a union of the 
three great engines of government, the legislative, the 
judiciary, and executive. In the ^\ isdom of our State 
constitution v.c have said, these branches shall be kept 
Lcpcrate and distinct, as that neither exercise the pow- 
ers properly belonging to the others : and that no per- 
son shall exercise more than one of them at the same 
time. But it is not sufficient to mark with precision 
their boundaries in the constitution of the government, 
c.nd trust to them as barriers against the encroaching 
spirit of power. This is the security which seem^s 
principally to b.ave been relied on by the framers of our 



53 

American constitution. But experience evinces the 
inetiicacy oi" the- provision, and that some more ade- 
quate defence is indispensably necessary, for the more 
feeble against the more powerful members of the go- 
vernment. The legislature is every ^^here extending 
" the sphere of its attraction, and dr raving all power 
into its impetuous vortex." It is Isk: opinion of a ce- 
lebrated author, " that in governments where numer- 
ous and extensive prerogatives ai^e placed in the hands 
of an heriditary monarch, the executive department is 
very justly regarded as the source of danger, and 
watched with all the jealousy that a zeal for liberty 
ought to inspire. In a pure democracy, where a mul- 
titude of people exercise in person the legislative func- 
tions, and are continuiilly exposed from their incapa- 
city for regulai' deliberations and concerted measures, 
to the ambitious intrigues of the executive magistracy, 
tyranny may well be apprehended on some favourable 
emergency to spring up in the same quarter. But in 
a representative republic, where the executive magis- 
tracy is carefully limited both in the duration and ex- 
tent of its powers ; and where the legislative is exerci- 
sed by an assembly, which, inspired by a supposed 
influence over the people with an intrepid confidence 
in its own strength ; which is sufficiently numerous to 
feel all the passions which actuate the multitude, yet 
not too numerous to pursue the objects of its passions 
by means which reason prescribes : It is against the 
enterprizing ambition of this department, the people 
should indulge all their jealousy, and exhaust all their 
vigilance. 

The legislature derives a superiority in our govern- 
ment from other circumstances. Its powers are more 
extensive, and less susceptible of limitation; so that it 
may conceal with focility, its encroachments on the co- 
ordinate branches of the government ; and it i s not un- 
frequently a question of great nicety, whether the pur- 
suit of a particular measure would, or would not trans- 
cend the limits of legislation. On the other hand, the 
executive being more restricted in its operations ; and 
the judiciary confined to the interpretation and appli- 
cation of the laws, there is little danger to be apprehend- 

E 



34 

eel from either of these branches. Nor is this the onlv 
evidence of the superiority of the legislature. It is the 
only po\ver that can command the wealth of the citi- 
zens ; and in most constitutions, has an entire control 
over the \\ ages of those Avho occupy tlie different offi- 
ces under gOA^ernment, a dependance is thus created in 
the one, which must necessarily facilitate an augmen- 
tation of power in the other. I'hese are evils, against 
which, the preservation of our republican system ' re- 
quires a guard by some adequate pro\ision in tlie con- 
stitution. It is not sufficient that there are constitu- 
tional means by which appeals are made to the source 
of sovereignty, and of all legal authority, the people ; 
for these appeals frequently increase the evil they are 
intended to diminish. The dan<a;er of disturbino- the ■ 
public ti'anquillit}'^ by exciting too strongly the public 
passions, is an evil seriously to be apprehended from a 
frequent reference of constitutional questions to the de- 
cision of the society at large. It is true, that in the re- 
vision of the Federal constitution, a fortunate appeal 
lias been made to the body of the society : yet it must 
be regaixled as a delicate experiment. It v^^as done at 
a particular crisis ; it Wixs done under the existence of 
a danger which suppressed every passion unfriendly to 
harmony and concord. The people at this season, 
manifested an enthusiastic confidence in their patriotic 
rulers, A\hich stifled the usual diversity of opinion on 
great national questions ; there \^'as then no contending 
principle connected with the changes to be made, which 
could mingle its eftervescing quality in the operation. 
But we am never expect to be placed in a situation si- 
milar to that. The more expedient way of pre\'enting 
the evil, since there is no external means clear of dan- 
ger, is not onlv toresjulate the internal structure in such 
amanner, that the leading branches of government shall, 
as far as possible, mutually prevent an increase of pow- 
er in any individual department, but to habituate the 
people to exercise their great elective franchise upon 
every occasion, as wisdom, virtue, and sound republi- 
canism demand. If these ends fail, there must be an 
appciil to the people, A\'ho only liave tlie rig] it of pre- 



35 

.»cnbing limits to every change in the fundamental 
la^vs. 

It behoves you fellow-citizens, as the bulwark of li- 
berty, the supporters of government, to pay that atten- 
tion to its views, its actions, which the national pros- 
perity requires. It is only by a scrutinizing enquiry 
iii'M the motions which give activity to the legislative 
dcpaitment, that our political system can be preserved 
in its present purity. This examination is made by 
the assistance ot the press ; the pure and unclouded 
medium, through which the people view the actions 
of their servimts.... The mirror by which truth is re- 
flected on the muitiiude; the iiistrument bv which s:o- 
vernment is laid bare to the people, and by which go- 
vernment is justiiied to the world. The freedom of 
the press haS been justly considered by the celebrated 
Curran, as the best safeguard of liberty ; " the shield 
of wisdom, and of virtue, behind which the people arc 
invulnerable : in whose pure and polished convex, e'rc 
the uplifted blow has fallen, the tyrant beholds his own 
image, and is turned into stone." It is onl}' by such 
examinations, we can preserve that national existence 
we received from-our iarefathers, that political liberty 
we inherited from the veterans of '76, and that happi- 
ness we enjoy at the present day. 

It is only by the presen-ation of our republican in- 
stitution, republican manners, and above all, republic 
can virtue, that this day shall again call forth in the cen- 
tury which succeeds, and which has commenced its 
course, tlie sons of Freemen, who can willingly hail the 
glorious epoch, when their forefathers here first planted 
the Tree of Liberty and independence, whose brimches 
shall not only cast their friendly shade over this new 
World, but shall extend their broad shelter to all the 
nations of the earth. 

Let us this day found a great national institution ; 
bv 'v\hich the principles of our government shall \jq 
continually invigorated ; by which the love of the laws 
and of our country shall be cherished and preserved. 
Litt us remember, that this love requires a constant 
preference of public to private interest. " Let us re- 
member that government is like even' thing else, to. 
preserve it, we must love it." 



36 



ODE, 

Delivered bi; 3Ir. C. A". Blancharci 

The Power that measures Space and Time, 
And robes the Stars with Light sublime, 
That guides with central force aright 
The rapid Comet's fier}^ flight, 
That holds each Orb in strong controul, 
And ])oints the Planets where to roll. 
The God who taught the Sun to blaze, 

And made it strike. 

On mortal sight, 
The fire of Heav'n's reflected rays, 

Sent the sons of the East, 

To the sons of the West, 
Taught the Arts with the ray of mild evening to shine, 
And bless a New World with their radiance divine. 

Warm from the wood, 
With hunting tir'd, 

A Savage sought the cooling flood. 

And fai*, fai' oft', the curling wave admir'd. 
And as lie pac'd the lonely beach, 
Far as his piercing eye could reach. 
He thought he saw the Pine-trees dance, 
And on the wave erect advance ! 
Again he look'd, and saw the trees, 
All wing'd, ai riving with the breeze ! 
And as he gaz'd with wild surprize. 
Borne on the full-flood tide along, 
Moving in solemn silence on : 
He sees at last the stately ship arise. 

But when from forth the bursting side, 
He sees the Lightnings glide. 
And heais the deep mouth'd cannon roar, 
The ratding sounding, 
Noise rebounding 

From the Rocks, the Woods, the Shore ; 
Aghast! the red man flies and cries 
(Loud as the yell of Deatli can rise) 



37 

To uU the painted tribes around ; 
That the " Great Spirit'' fill'd with ire, 

Involv'd in smoke and clad in fire, 

Shook the whole earth with thund'ring sound^ 
And raging threw the livid lightnings round. 
But all ! how soon the Savage Nations saw, 

* The Sun's white offspring were but men : 
And as their mutual wmits increase. 

While varying ties together draw, 
They irame a transient peace, 
And harmonize in vain. 
Nor 'mid tlie tow'ring forest shade. 

Was the black hair'd IndiLm Maid, 
At all afraid. 
To see the graceful stranger mo"ve, 

Or hear his softest song of love. 
For Love bewitch'd these real Wood Nymphs wild, 
Wav'd her white arm, and o'er the desert smil'd. 

This, when the jealous Savage knew, 
And saw beside. 

The mounded city rise : 

To Arms! to Arms ! he crj^'d ; 

To Arms the Warriors flew. 
And the shrill war-song sounded to the skies : 

Whilst horror shrieking in the woods. 

And screaming o'er the hills and floods. 

Warns the white Warriors to prepare. 
And brave the first rude shock of savage war. 

Our Ancestors ! A small but daiing band, 

Led by a Hero first in fame, 

Cloath'd with courage, i;rm'd with, flame, 

Against the hideous howling throng, 

March di-eadful on ; 

And in many a direful day. 

Driving far tlie foe away. 
Boldly claim th' ensanguin'd land, 

Their conquering valor won. 

* In all America the White Men have been called the Children of 
the Sun as coming from the East, 



38 

Driv'n from their usual haunts and flv'^cds. 
Far to tiieir inmost shades and woods, 
'File Indian Chiefs retir'd, 
With endless fury fir'd ; 
Intent, the v. eb ot woq to weave, 
Secret as deatli, and joyless as the gra^e. 
'1 ne plot's full time, niatur'd, through many a year^ 

At last drew near ! 
And the notch'd aiTow mark'd the da}-, 
'I'hut drew the furroA^ ing tear, 
Which Ti/iie can never wipe away ! 
Revenge ! Revenge ! a thousand voices cr}-, 
Revenge ! Kevenge ! th' echoing hills reply ! 

\V hiist the red tribes, in trcach'ry strong, 
Relentless sv. eep along : 

And wnere the w hizzing weapons fly, 

A thousand Fathers, Mothers die. 

Sons, Sisters, Chiidren, fiy in vain, 

llien- liieiess bodies strew the plain, 

Anei, as the Iniant smiles or cries, 

It sees the lifted stroke and dies. 
Behind, the raging flames are seen, 

W nere clwenings, fields, and bodies blaze : 
And glaiing midst the horrid gleam. 

'ihe whooping blood stain'd Savage strays : 

Or, amid the hend like throng, 

Drives the blasting ruin on ; 

Till (quite complete the bloody plain) 
Sad Uesolatmi sits and mocks the works oiMan. 

Soft voic'd Pitij from above, 

Fairest Daughter of the Sky ! 
Bent with looks of grief and love, 

To th' chang'd earth her tearful eye. 
She saw the smoaking ruins round. 

And iJl the arts of peace destroy 'd : 
The groves and walks were ruin'd found, 

Which she with peaceful power enjoy'd. 
In each lov'd scene she hears faint sorrow call : 
Whilst o'e'^ the hapless land, her tears benignmit fall. 

But now, sec fair succour flying ! 
O'er the wide Atlantic wave. 



39 



Our few remainins: Sires to save, 
Ever^' Indian force deifying, 

Bringing comfort to the brave. 

Ship alter ship amain ! 

Men after men arrn-e ! 
To drive 

The S.vu^^c to his woods a rain. 
Whilst ind'j.h try, of force divhie, 
With Coniuicrce, Peace, and Power combine 
To seize the fleeting fl} ing Hom's^ 
And make them deck the Heids with flowers. 
And late where Desolation \^ alk'd, 
And late A\here glaring ruin staJk'd, 
The towns, with loftier aspect rise, 
And loftier domes salute the skies. 
A million, patriot sons are born, 
A million Fair, the land adorn, 
And /2 ere, v.here e'rst the wild flow 'r rose 

Alone and undesir'd, 
See, ^vhere tlie blushing beauty glows ; 

By every eye admir'd. 
For you, ye Fair, to arms we fly, 

Or strike the sounding l}'rc, 
For you the Soldier dares to die, 
And ye the Bard inspire. 
Your smiles alone, can bless the strain, 

Alone can make it last. 
Till a new Century shall have pass'd : 
When friends, perhaps, may meet again. 
And sound the high-hung Harp of Love, 
At the great JUBILEE above. 



ODE, 

Delivered by Le Roy Anderson^ 

To a select company of friends in the old Church 
\-ard, amidst the tombs — Its genuine merit entitles 
it to a place in the proceedings of this Jubilee. 

Genius of Liberty ! \\ hose fav'ring gales, 
Propitious wafted o'er the Atlantic Avave^ 



40 

The sacred i}-erm of freedom here to save 
And nurse its increase in our fost'ring vales ; 
Here on the spot, where first with eager feet, 

Our fathers prcst the long expected shore. 
With joyful minds, their grateful children meet, 

To consecrate the day, and at thy shrine adore! 

Bend from your skies, ye venerated shades, 

Whose names through lapsing centuries rever'd. 
Our annals grace, and more by time endear'd 
Inspire this glow, which ev'ry breast pervades ! 
Full of your praise, behold we crowd the strand, 
. With pious care, and filial zeal, to trace 
The cherished spot which saw our fathers land. 
And raise a monument the sacred site to grace ! 

Plac'd in the centre of a shading grove, 
A modest Pyramid shall lift its head, 
Whose letter'd surface, with inscriptions spread, 

Shall speak your praise, and show our grateful love : 

On each return of this auspicious morn. 

The thirteenth sun that gilds sweet vernal May, 

Posterity with thousands, now unborn, 

Shall cro^vd in festive bands, to celebrate this day ! 

The neiglib'ring seat of Science will remain. 
And form to eloquence, our patriot youth, 

Virginia's pride ! who long with manly truth, 

Shall guard our rights, and laws benignant reign. 

Fir'd by their theme, her orators again, 

Shall celebrate the enterprize you plann'd, 

As the prolific parent of the train 

Of countlessblessings, that adorn our flivor'dland. 

What rich results attend your gen'rous toil ! 

A free, a happy, and eniighten'd race, 

Columbia's smiling provinces embrace, 
Inheriting from you the fruitful soil ; 
Science and Arts, and literature combln'd 

Refining man, his happiness increase ; 
Millions arise, whom laws just precepts bind, 

Brave to defend their rights, but fond of virtuous 
^eace. 



41 

The Eastern Hemisphere, a prey too long, 

To mad ambition, nioniu'chy, and vice, 
Admiring sees what simple means suffice, 

For all the blessings that to man belong. 
Genius of Liberty ! extend thy sphere ! 

Command the reign of tyna; r; to cease ; 
Let suff'nng Europe, in our hi: : .sings share, 

Be like Columbia free, and laste the bliss of peaces 

Heroes and Sages ! who have grac'd our shore. 

Who fought, or bled, or fell in Freedom's cause. 
Who led our armies, or who fram'd our laws, 

Accept the tribute which we grateful pour ! 

To them our rights, our happiness we owe ; 

Mem'r}' preserves, and time exalts their claim j 

Cherish, Columbia's sons, the giiiteful glow, 

To public virtue due, and ev'ry patriot name I 

Amid the treasures of fair History's page, 
The ample records of revolving Time 
Display no views of patriot worth sublime, 

Blighter than those which gild Colu^nbia's age. 

Immortal Washington ! thy glor}' far, 

Transcends the feeble effort of ni}' lays, 

Above the sons of men, in Peace and War, 

I see tliy virtue rise, and cannot reach thy praise ! 

Franklin ! thy name Avith Washington's shall live, 
To grace the annals of our Western Earth ; 

Thy grateful country owns th}' civic worth, 

And Europe's Sages other plaudits give. 
One classic line, for theea'oae reserv'd 
Records thy glorv and exalts thy farre, 

Science and F eedom h« t \ thy genius serv d, 

A Tyrnnfs sceptre hroke^ and caught the light- 
ning'' sfiamtt* 

Ye other Heroes ! who on mem'ry crowd, 

Brilliant and num'rous as the stars of heaven. 
To other bards of Eulogy, 'tis given 
To sing your praise, and maVe Colirnhi' proud, 
* Eripuit coslo fuUnen, sceptrum^ue T|r»nnL5 . 
F 



42 

For thee ! thou guardian of our rights and hw^. 

Whose geii'rous mind above ambition soars, 
Read in a nation's bliss, thy best applause, 
X^ive foi'thy country's good, and crown with peace ou:' 
shores ! 

At the conclusion of these pieces the people separa- 
ted, and the Committ e resumed its functions. Seve- 
ral propositions had been previously submitted in ge- 
neral Committee, and amongst the rest, a plan of an 
Ooeiisk of granite, one hundred ftet high; but these 
with one coiisent, as likely to involve too much time 
and discussion, were laid over to the evening of the 
14th, when time would be allo\'\ ed to collect the sense 
of the great body of the pilgrims on those interesting 
subjects. 

Every thing being now completed, the company sat 
down to dinner, the Ladies in the several apartments 
of the spacious house occupied by Mr. Hanis, the 
Gentlemen under an immense arbour prepared for the oc- 
V casion. Joseph Cabell, James Semple, Chancellor Ty-' 
ler and Daniel Bedinger, acted as Presidentsand V. Pre- 
sidents : the cannon of Capt. Nestle were transported 
from the beach ^vithin the enclosure ; the militaiy band- 
was stationed near the centre of the table, when the' 
following Toasts were given ; 

1 . The Day. — The season of blossoms. Two huuv 
dred years have gone by, since under the auspices of 
the great Spirit, our venerable forefathers, fornied the 
ftrst link in the chain of human happiness.... let us keep 
it clear of rust, and brighten it. 

Tune — JEre around the H r^e Oak. 

2. The memory of our gallant Ancestors — May 
theetherial Spirit, which animated their dauntless souls, 
be the never iailing inheritance of their posterity, 

Jefferson''s March. 

3 . Capt. Smith and the first adven turers — Courage, 
genius, zeal, liberty ; your union will ever be invin- 
cible. See the Conquering Hero comes. 

4. Pocahontas — The benignant spirit, whose hu- 
manity and courage so often snatched our ancestors 
from famine and the sword.... Her ashes lie neglected 



in a strange land, without monument or device? \vltt\\ 
out Barrow, or string of Wampum ; but her identic 
spirit is in the midst of us, and we hail her witli rever^ 
ence and admiration, as tlie guardian genius of our fa^ 
fliers, of our infancy, of our cradles. 

Roslin Castle,. 

5. Thomas Jefferson^ Nine Cheers. 

Jeffersoii's March. 

6. Our younger Sisters — ii,quaily adventurous 

equally successmi Accursed be the hand that at* 

tempts to rusi, or disunite the chain that encircles 
them. Hail Columbia. 

7. The great Indian Family — The Tomahaw k ta- 
ken out ot their hands by Pocahontas, is buried six fa- 
thom deep in the i'iaith, and the tree of Peace has ta. 
ken root and spread its branches over it. 

Life let us cherish, 

8. The Sachems and Warriors oj the American 
Revolution — They lie down with the brave; but their 
souls rejoice with the great Spirit. 

My lodging is on the cold ground. 

9. The Tomahawk to the tyrants of man.... The 
belt oflVampum to his Friends — who shall be welcome 
to the great Council i^ire, in our Wigwam ; with them 
we wiii smoKe tlie Calumet of friendship. 

Hospitality^ no Formality. 

10. Bishop Madison — Hisiifc inustrates hisreligioru 
his religion acquires fresh lustre from his genius and 
learning. Heavenly Union. 

11. Mr. Baldwin^ and Mr. Madison — their exerti, 
ons tiave this day sustained the ancient credit of our 
University. That seat of Science, Athens 

12. Mr. Blanchard — His Ode is an elegant and ex,«- 
pressive specimen ot American poetical genius. 

To Anacreon hi Heaven, 

13. The Fair ofFirginia — Simply elegant, honor» 
iibiy industrious. Coolun. 

14. The youth of Firgifiia — Minds irradiated by 
knowledge, hearts glowing with patriotism. 

Tifne has ?2ot thimi'd 7ny flowing hair. 

15. May each return of this National Festival, give 
new energy to the Patiuotism of Virginia. 

Yankee Doodle- 



44 

Tile utmost harmony and good fellowship prevail- 
ed, and the company separated with soUiS satisfied 
^\itii the past, yet thirsting for a return of the 
same generous and rational pleasures. No unea- 
siness or heart burning, arising from political intoler- 
ance or rudeness, gave a moment's interruption to the 
flow of social feelmg. It appeared throughout the 
whole of this festival, as if those boisterous spirits, 
whose sentiments and actions v\ ere continually in col- 
lision on the earth, had been by some preternatural 
agenc}', translated to an elysian abode, where their nior- 
tai acerbities and asperities immediately disappeared. 
The pilgrims at James Town, seemed to think them- 
selves in the presence of the awtui fathers of dieir na- 
tion, and this idea kept alive by every object, had the 
effect to chasten and purify their iai:iguage and deport- 
ment. 

At the approach of night, as usual, the sprightly 
dance conmienced, and vvhether we consider the num- 
bers, the loveliness, the grace, or skill of tlie Fair, it 
w ould have been no easy matter, to have found in any 
part of the world, another assembly equally attractive 
and interesting. Dancing closed the proceedings of 
each dav. Sometimes the daricers assembled at the 
long room belonging to Col. Travis, on the margin 
of the Powhatan : and during the still and balmy 
nights at this delicious season, the quick and li\ely aii's 
played by an admirable band, accompanied by the true 
tini'd feet of the dancers ; the waters of the majestic 
river gently undulating and mur/nuring their delight ; 
the buzz of groups of pilgrims sauntering in vaiious 
directions through the Island ; the lights from the 
tents and houses, and from the vessels in the cove ; the 
stars in the heavens ; infused a delicious tranquillity, 

" That seiz'd 
The prison'd soul, and lapp'd it in Elysium." 
The 14th was announced as usual, by a cannon. 
AV)Out 11 o'clock, preparations commenced for the 
Interment and Funeral of one of the pilgrims, a brave 
and b nicvolent young man, ^vho fell a victim to a too 
free use of Ice in Cy le , h ving been violently heated. 
The proces-ioii rnov ed in the sasne or.ler as on the 
I3th, to the tunc of Roslin Casde. The Bishop of 



45 

Virginia read the service over the grave; wliilst the 
aiicicat society ot Masons withihcir niysierious etie- 
monies, having thrice surrounded the grave, tlirew on 
the coffin branches ol' the Sycamore and other trees, 
an enibiem ^\e presume oi that h-aii existence that is 
cut down like a flower, but which by the goodness of 
God, shall shoot up again in a more kindl} soil, bright 
as the glory ot the morning. 

The time now approached for the meeting of the 
General Committee, whose discussions were to deter- 
mine the tuLure periods of celebration, as well as the 
propriety of those other projects, calulated in the opi- 
nion of their authors, to afford beneneiid and lastii:ig 
consequences. The limits oi" a pamphlet will not per- 
mit us to detail at hu'ge, the arguments of the different 
speakers, vrhich were equall}- ingenious and animated. 
It will suffice to notice the several propositions, the 
success of which, must ultimately rest with the people 
at large. It should not however be omitted, that the 
doors of the Committee room were thro\ui open to all 
the pilgrims, \\ith the just view of collecting a fair es- 
timate ot the public sentiment, and gainiPig to the pro- 
ceedings, the weight and sanction of numbers. 

At a meeting of the Citizens at James Toxvn on the 
lAithMay 1807, the second day of the Festival^ 

Thomas Newton Esq. was appointed Chairman, 
and James Sempic Secretary. 

1. Resolved^ That there be a quinquennial Fes- 
tival kepi at James Town, at ^vhich the people of Vir- 
ginia shall be invited to attend ; the primary object of 
which Festival shall be to commemorate the event of 
the tirst settlement oi" this country, to invigonite Re- 
publican sentiment, and to offer up to the divine beno- 
tactor ot" man, that tribute of praise and tiianksgiving 
which rational piety intorces. 

2. Resolved, That eacii portion of five years be 
called a Virginiad. 

3.- Resolved, That the citizens of Virginia be invited 
to appoin Committees in the principal Towns and 
places, one ear before the return of the next Festival 
at James Town, for the purpose of making the animge- 



46. 

inents requisite at the Festival, and for attaining tht; 
objects coiittriiplated by those patriotic meetings. 

4. Ji'esm'ved, That it be recommended to the people 
of this Slate, to assemble annualiy on the loth of May, 
in places most convenient to tliemselves, to cclebrato 
tlie iar.ding ci their foreiath.ers in \iig;in!a. 
On 7notion of Mr. Semple, seconded by Air. Tyler ^ 

Resolved unanimously^ That Capt. Nestle of Ncr^ 
folK, and his Volunteer Corps, are entitled to the 
thanks of this meeting-, for the patriotic display made 
by them during the Festival. 

' The measure of satisfaction and delight being nov/ 
full on the Peninsula, the Citizens of Williamsburg 
invited the piigrims to participate with them, in social 
festivities on the 15th, another day interesting and sa- 
cred in tlie annals oi American history ; a day, when 
the Convention of Virginia, actir.g on the character of 
their lathers, had the magj-ianimity to cut in sunder the 
ties that bound them to oppression, and to propose a 
like procedure to the other Colonies. 

An invitation of this nature, would naturally accord 
vvidr their feelings and principles, and it ^vas accepted. 

On the 15ih,\he piigrims assembled at the Raleigh, 
in the ver\' room where the Declaration of Indepen- 
dtnce had been digested and drafted, by the commit- 
tee of the Convention: Samuel I'yler, Chancellor,^ 
acted as Piesidcnt, and Jan.es Semple as Vice Pre- 
sident. The Declaration of Virginian Independence 
ha\'ing been read, the following toasts were given Avith 
that glow of rational and rapturous enthusiasm, origin- 
ally excited by the era of our national existence, and 
kept aiive by another era equally striking and inte- 
restinPL\ 

O 

Toasts drank at a public dinner, at the Raleigh 
lavern, in the City of JFilliamsburg, iJth 
May, 18()7- \ 

1. Tiie 15th of May, 1776. The day on which \ 
the Converition of Virginia, assembled in the old Ca- j 
pitol, m this city, and gave birth to the iirst indepen- 
dent American Republic. 

■ 2. The virtuous, tlie enlightened, the patriotic Con- 
ventioii of the Siutc of Virginia. That body vvhicl^ 



4? 

With one voice, dared to declare their country Inde- 
pendent^ and to propose a similar dcckuaiion lo ihtir 
sisier States. 

3. Virginia : may the Genius of Liberty e\'er pie- 
aide over her gov crument, and wisdom and patriotism 
direct and distinguish her councils. 

4. The Com ; c s oi 1776 : That band of Patriots, 
\\hose united v.i:.dom, and inti^epedity , abboived the 
United Suaes iroai a forcign yoke, and laid the foun- 
dation ol a conlederacy, whose successi'u! progress has 
astonished the world. 

5. The lievoiuiion of America : Planned with wis- 
dom ; conducted \\ ith courage ; and achieved ^\ith 
immortui honor. 

6. The American Uinted States : Feared b}^ Ty- 
rants; envied by Europe; beloved and admired bv 
the trieiids of huniarjity, in every quarter of the globe : 
May their union be perpetual, as their wisdom and 
love of Liberty, have been conspicuous and successful. 

7. Thomas Jefierson — tlie Friend of Man ; His pen 
first traced the Constitution of Virginia, and the de- 

ciai-ation of the Indepence of the United States He 

hath, because he merits the love of his countiy. 

8. The memory of George Washington; a true- 
born son of Virginia, and leader of the Armies of the 
U. States to die temple of Glory and Independence. 

9. The deptuled heroes of the Revolution : Tiieir 
bones bleach on the field of battle; their spirits lire 
translated to the skies. 

10. The Soldiers who fought, bled, and died for 
their country ; and whose names are lost to futurity. 
W^ithout their aid, how unavailing would have been 
the efforts of their leaders ! 

11. The French Armies who assisted us, in the ar- 
duous struggle. Their heroic aid will remain forever 
inscribed on the pages of our histor}-. 

12. Our Irish Brethren, Avhose bravery was allX 
ways distinguished m the well fought contest : whose / 
zeal was wholly Amei-ican, in the American Revolution. / 

V 13. To the memory of Patrick Henry. The mai/ 
who here first dared to propose resistance to an arbi- 
trary government, and who was first promoted to the 
QlUce of Chief Magistrate of Independent Virginia. 



43 

14. To the memory of Edmuiid Pendleton : Presi. 

del t of that ('Oiivention which raibcd his country to 
tht rank of an Independent State. 

15. To the memory of Peyton Randolph : A na- 
tive of this City ; a distinguished leader in the coun- 
cils of his country ; and first President of the Revoiu- 
tioiicuy Congress. 

16- To the memor\' of Gen. Thomas Nelson ; Go- 
vernor of Virginia, in the memorable period of 17ul. 
A man who sacrificed his ail to the salvation oi his 
country. 

17. The oppressed of all nations. Whilst they 
groan under their fetters, may they look for^val•d to the 
pleasing prospect of such a day, as that which we noAv 
celebrate. 

18. Friendship Vvith all nations. May they learn 
to prize the blessings of peace, and leave us to the en- 
joyment of it. 

After dinner a procession commenced, at the head 
of ^^■hich \\ere borne in triumph, Colonels Care}', 
Newton, and Trt-vis, surviving members of tiie Vir- 
ginia Convention : The day closed with a Ball, given 
b}' the Students of William cJkI Maiy. 

It should not be omitted that during the entire du- 
ration of these Festivals, no games of chance were play- 
ed — and that the President, Professors, and Students 
of William and Mary University, mingled together 
without the slightest violation of the respect due their 
relative situations, and at the same time, with all har- 
mony, zeal, and frierdship becoming an occasion, 
where all ^\ere equals and where it was the object of 
ALL to be happy. 



FINIS. 



Wm. F. M'Laughlin Printer. 



LE Ap '09 



